CHESHIRE Community Foundation today paid tribute to its patron, the Duke of Westminster, who has died at the age of 64.

The Duke played a pivotal role in the creation of the foundation in 2011 and The Westminster Foundation has continued to support deserving causes across Cheshire and Warrington.

The Duke, one of Britain’s richest people, died yesterday at the Royal Preston Hospital in Lancashire.

Joelle Warren, chairman of Cheshire Community Foundation, which has its head offce in Northwich, said: “Everyone associated with Cheshire Community Foundation is hugely shocked and saddened by the news of the Duke’s passing. Our condolences go out to his family at this difficult time.

“The Duke was an inspirational figure in the formation of Cheshire Community Foundation five years ago and, as patron, he has continued to give unyielding support and guidance ever since.

“The Westminster Foundation works tirelessly to help communities in need and many organisations in Cheshire and Warrington have benefited due to the generosity of the Duke and his team.

“The Duke was a dynamic and caring philanthropist who believed passionately in the importance of helping the most vulnerable in our society.

“Despite the Duke’s business being global he never forgot the old adage that ‘charity begins at home’, and Cheshire was very much his home.

“All of us connected with Cheshire Community Foundation share those same guiding principles and we will continue to ensure the most deserving charities and other community causes continue to receive the vital funding allowing them to make Cheshire better.”

Cheshire Community Foundation, which has its head office in Northwich, connects charitable donors with the causes that matter most across Cheshire and Warrington.